Infants on Thrones

Ep 872 - Lies Lies Lies and the Liars who Lie Them (Honest)

Today's episode of Infants on Thrones dives into the intriguing world of lies and deception, inspired by a video from independent journalist Johnny Harris. I'm Glenn Ostlund, and I'm thrilled to share insights from Johnny's compelling investigation into why we lie, why we believe lies, and what we can do about it. Johnny Harris, with over 5 million subscribers on his YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWgG3Mgn2Gc], explores the complex nature of lying, touching on both intentional and unintentional falsehoods. His video delves into the neuroscience of deception, using humor and expert interviews to shed light on this pervasive human behavior. We'll discuss the evolutionary roots of lying, the brain's reward system, and how repetition influences belief formation through the illusory truth effect. Join me as I review Johnny Harris' video and add my own perspective on these fascinating topics. Together, we'll explore the intricate dance between truth and lies, uncovering how our brains process information and how social media shapes our perceptions. Show Notes: * Introduction * Overview of today's episode inspired by Johnny Harris' video * Glenn's enthusiasm for Johnny Harris and his investigative work * Link to Johnny Harris' YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWgG3Mgn2Gc] * Main Discussion: Understanding Lies * The complexity of lying: Intentional vs. Unintentional lies * Definitions and distinctions: Lies, truth, intentionality, and unintentionality * Examples from "Mean Girls" to illustrate different types of lies * Neuroscience of Lying * Insights from neuroscientists on the brain's reward system * Evolutionary perspective: How lying and passing along wrong information evolved * Processing information: New vs. established neural pathways * Psychological Mechanisms * Illusory truth effect: Repetition and belief formation * Confirmation bias: How we accept and reject information based on existing beliefs * Evolutionary success: Myths and stories as survival mechanisms * Social Media and Modern Information Consumption * The impact of social media on our perception of truth and lies * Navigating the world of misinformation and lies: Tips and strategies * Conclusion * Embracing curiosity and open-mindedness * The power of "I don't know" * Reflecting on personal growth and evolving perspectives Resources Mentioned: * Johnny Harris' YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWgG3Mgn2Gc] * Mean Girls movie clips * Neuroscience research on the brain's reward system * Articles and studies on the illusory truth effect and confirmation bias Quotes to Remember: * "I lie. And you lie. We all lie. And more importantly, we all believe lies." * "Pay attention to your bricks, your thoughts, your feelings, your moment-by-moment experience." * "Arrive curious. Empathize with others and seek to understand." Call to Action: * Subscribe to Infants on Thrones [https://feeds.transistor.fm/infants-on-thrones] for more thought-provoking discussions * Check out Johnny Harris' investigative videos on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWgG3Mgn2Gc] * Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media or in the comments Thank you for listening to Infants on Thrones! Join us next time as we continue to explore the complexities of the human experience and seek further light and knowledge together.

Ep 871 - The Further Light and Knowledge of Infants on Thrones

In this reflective minisode, Glenn explores the origins and evolution of the Infants on Thrones podcast. He shares personal insights from the podcast's beginnings in 2012, the inspiration behind its unique name, and how the themes have resonated and transformed over the years. Glenn discusses his journey in clinical mental health counseling and how his experiences as a gospel doctrine teacher, missionary, and podcaster have enriched his current work leading court-mandated domestic violence support groups. Glenn delves into profound topics such as the King Follett discourse, the evolution of human intelligence, and the interconnectedness of all life forms. He reflects on anger management, the role of emotions in human evolution, and the significance of recognizing and understanding our own feelings. Additionally, Glenn invites listeners to contribute their own essays and ideas, fostering a community of shared perspectives and mutual growth. Show Notes Key Points: 1. Podcast Origins and Evolution: * The inception of Infants on Thrones in 2012. * The inspiration behind the podcast's name from Joseph Smith's King Follett discourse. * The metaphor of "infants on thrones" representing humanity's learning and growth stages. 2. Personal and Professional Journey: * Glenn's completion of his master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. * His work with court-mandated domestic violence support groups. * The integration of his past experiences into his current counseling practice. 3. Philosophical and Spiritual Reflections: * Insights from the King Follett discourse and its implications on human existence. * The concept of evolving intelligence and awareness in both a spiritual and scientific context. * The impact of emotions, especially anger, on human survival and evolution. 4. Invitation to Listeners: * Encouragement for listeners to submit their own essays and perspectives. * The importance of diverse viewpoints and shared experiences within the podcast community. 5. Future Topics and Ideas: * Glenn's interest in exploring topics like Star Wars, moral foundations, and cultural divisions. * Upcoming episodes focusing on themes like "The Righteous Jedi Mind" and the work of independent journalist Johnny Harris. Listener Invitation: * Glenn invites listeners to submit their own content to be featured on the podcast. Interested individuals can send their recordings to infantsonthrones@gmail.com for consideration. Quotes: * "We are in this learning and growing stage, exploring and getting things wrong, having really limited ways of processing and understanding reality at large." * "Our brains have evolved the ability to be aware that we're aware that we're aware. And that's a level of awareness that neighboring primates don't seem to quite have." * "I love this idea of different people sharing their perspectives and having it be in a place where it can be appreciated." Links and Resources: * Email submissions: infantsonthrones@gmail.com [infantsonthrones@gmail.com] * David Tong's YouTube video on Quantum Field Theory: Quantum Field Theory by David Tong [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNVQfWC_evg] * Johnny Harris' YouTube channel: Johnny Harris on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmGSJVG3mCRXVOP40Ic7gzg] * TED Talk on anger management: Why We get Angry and Why it is Healthy [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rAngiiXBAc] Closing: Thank you for listening to Infants on Thrones. If you've been with us since the beginning or are just joining, we'd love to hear from you. Share your thoughts, contribute your essays, and be part of our growing community. Until next time, keep exploring, questioning, and learning

Ep 870 - The Happy Heavenly Father's Day Prayer

A boy's first uttered prayer?

Ep 869 - The Creator's Guide to X=Y=Z: A Zizek Primer

In this learning-out-loud episode, Glenn dives into the fascinating world of Slavoj Žižek's "The Pervert's Guide to Ideology" and explores the intricate interplay of ideas from Hegel, Lacan, and Marx. Glenn shares his preparation process for an upcoming discussion with Josh, blending a healthy dose of curiosity and philosophical inquiry. Glenn also discusses the upcoming migration of the "Infants on Thrones" podcast to a new host and ensures listeners can continue enjoying the content seamlessly. Visit infantsonthrones.com for all episodes and updates. Join Glenn on this intellectual journey as he unpacks the complexities of ideology, consciousness, and human experience through the lens of Hegelian dialectics, Lacanian psychoanalysis, and Marxist critique. Glenn even brings contemporary neuroscience into the mix, providing a holistic understanding of how our internal and external worlds shape our reality. Show Notes: 1. Introduction: * Glenn introduces the episode and shares his learning process in preparation for discussing Žižek's "The Pervert's Guide to Ideology" with Josh. * Announcement about the migration of the "Infants on Thrones" podcast to a new host and how listeners can stay updated. 2. Žižek Primer: * Glenn's curiosity-driven exploration of Žižek's ideas. * The blending of Hegel, Lacan, and Marx in Žižek's philosophy. * Glenn's interaction with ChatGPT to deepen his understanding. 3. Deep Dive into Philosophical Concepts: * Hegel's dialectics: Thesis, antithesis, and synthesis. * Lacanian psychoanalysis: The mirror stage, symbolic order, and repetition compulsion. * Marx's critique of capitalism: Class structures, alienation, and exploitation. 4. Neuroscience Integration: * How neuroscience supports the dynamic interplay between internal (X) and external (Y) forces. * The concept of neuroplasticity and its implications for human experience. 5. X plus Y equals Z - The Formula of Perfection: * Glenn's theory explained through the lens of Hegel, Lacan, Marx, and neuroscience. * The interplay between internal forces (X), external forces (Y), and the resulting synthesized experience (Z). 6. Gestalt Therapy and Stoic Principles: * How Gestalt therapy focuses on awareness, integration, and empowerment. * The Stoic emphasis on virtue, rationality, and emotional resilience. * Application of Gestalt and Stoic principles to the X plus Y equals Z formula. 7. Potential Heresies and Reactions: * Exploration of how these philosophical ideas might challenge established dogmas and trigger defensive reactions. 8. Conclusion: * Glenn's reflections on the preparation process and anticipation for the upcoming discussion with Josh. * Encouragement for listeners to engage with these ideas and explore their own intellectual curiosity. Tune in for an enlightening episode that blends philosophy, neuroscience, and personal reflection, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding human experience as a dynamic, evolving process. Don't miss this intellectual adventure with Glenn on The Spiritual Heretic Podcast!

Ep 868 – The Spiritual Heretic P4: Why Spiritual?

Welcome to the latest episode of “The Spiritual Heretic,” where Glenn and Josh delve into the profound and often controversial realm of spiritual heresy. In this episode, they explore the deeply ingrained boundaries and containers placed on questioning and exploring within various belief systems, particularly focusing on the influences from their own backgrounds and broader societal norms. Josh shares his personal experiences growing up in a rigid religious environment and how stepping outside those boundaries revealed a universal tendency to restrict open discussions. The conversation highlights the importance of honest discourse and the need to break down these barriers to foster genuine human connection and understanding. Glenn and Josh also discuss the nuances of spiritual heresy, defining it as a rebellion against established dogma and a quest for deeper understanding beyond traditional perceptions. They emphasize the significance of holding space for individual experiences while challenging the limitations imposed by conventional beliefs. Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in a dynamic dialogue about the intersection of spiritual and material realities, the impact of cultural relativism, and the role of personal ethics in navigating these complex topics. This episode invites listeners to join the journey of questioning, exploring, and redefining their own spiritual paths. Tune in to this thought-provoking discussion that aims to inspire a deeper sense of curiosity, compassion, and inclusivity in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. In this episode, Glenn and Josh invite you to challenge your perceptions, explore beyond the known, and embrace the heretic within. Join them as they navigate the intricate landscape of spiritual heresy and its implications for personal growth and societal transformation.